Empowering Eswatini Women: Intersectional Feminism in Action

As someone deeply committed to equality and social justice, I find the women’s movement fascinating yet often frustrated by how certain marginalized groups are sidelined even within progressive spaces. It’s disheartening that while we all strive for equality, some voices remain unheard. That’s why I’m inspired by collectives whose mission is dedicated to empowering marginalized groups and fostering inclusive opportunities for them, which I believe is revolutionary.

Consider this: LGBTQ+ women, disabled women, migrant and refugee women, rural women, homeless women, and young girls each face distinct challenges that mainstream feminism sometimes overlooks. It’s not just about gender; it's about how gender intersects with other factors like disability, socioeconomic status etc. This intersectionality means these women confront compounded discrimination, making their struggles even more daunting.

For instance, LGBTQ+ women often contend with marginalization based on both their gender identity and sexual orientation, issues that are ussualy sidelined in broader women's rights movements. Women from low-income backgrounds, rural women, and others also confront unique hurdles that demand tailored solutions. 

Enter Liguma Letfu, a collective who strives to emphasise on economic empowerment activities to help lift these women out of poverty, reduces their vulnerability to discrimination and violence, and foster community development. What’s particularly impactful about Liguma Letfu’s approach is its foundation in intersectional feminism, addressing the interconnected forms of oppression faced by diverse women in the kingdom. This inclusive approach aims to create a feminist movement that is responsive to the needs of all women, especially those who have been marginalized for too long.

In her ongoing journey towards equality, Liguma Letfu’s collective mission in Eswatini exemplifies tangible change. By focusing on the most marginalized groups and fostering economic empowerment, Liguma Letfu is actively translating the principles of equality into reality. This, to me, embodies the essence of genuine feminist activism.